PAGADIAN CITY (PIA)—Farmers in Zamboanga Peninsula thanked the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) for providing them with free medical services.
Over 1500 farmers across the region benefited from the program and have improved health outcomes and reduced financial burdens for their families.
Narciso Aliñabon, a farmer from Tukuran town, is among the grateful beneficiaries.
“Dako kaayo akong pasalamat sa mga doktor, mga volunteers, ug sa NIA sa ilang kinasing-kasing nga pag-alagad. Dili lang kini pagpanghatag og serbisyo, kun dili usa kini ka tinud-anay nga pagpakabana sa among kahimsog ug kinabuhi,” he said.
(I’m grateful to the doctors, volunteers, and NIA for their service. This is not just about providing services, it’s a sincere expression of care for our health and our lives.)
His statement mirrored that of many other farmers who often prioritize daily labor over their health and whose access to healthcare is limited by distance and cost.
NIA’s medical mission offered not only treatment but also care for the farmers. The services included minor surgeries, medical and dental checkups, free medicines, meals, and transportation assistance to ensure that even those from remote communities are not left behind.
Carousel Mae Soria-Lamatan, senior industrial nurse of NIA, emphasized the importance of caring for the health of the farmers.
“Ang atong beneficiaries ani kay ang mga farmers ug ang ilahang pamilya. Kung sila magkasakit, kita nga konsumante maapektuhan pud. Mao nga dapat mahatagan sila ug importansya, dili lang sa produksyon, kundi sa ilang kahimsog,” she explained.
(Our beneficiaries here are our farmers and their families. If they get sick, we as consumers are also affected. That’s why they should be given importance not just for their productivity, but also for their health.)
The mission brought relief and care to farmers and their families, proving they deserved the same access to healthcare as everyone else.
NIA and its partner agencies continue to provide not just support for food production but also concrete action for the health and welfare of farmers across the region. (EDT/CCP/PKG/PIA-Zamboanga del Sur)
